Candidates turned out, but voters were scarce at event

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Organizers of the Meet the Candidates Night in Neshannock Township said they were pleasantly surprised at the number of candidates who attended the event. The Wednesday night gathering at the Crane House Grille was sponsored by Neshannock League of Concerned Taxpayers and attracted candidates running in the township school board and supervisors races, Lawrence County judge's race, the area district justice race and county jury commissioner race. Each candidate spoke briefly about his or her candidacy. "I wish we would have had more people here, more residents," said Francis Lauro, league president and school board candidate. "We expected more of a turnout. But I'm glad so many candidates came out. That says a lot about the kind of people running." The event was the league's first meet-the-candidates night. About 50 people turned out, but 17 of those were candidates running in the Tuesday primary. Lauro said the organization was formed two years ago to promote public awareness and to keep people informed about what is going on in their area.